Definitions #
A legal term for unexpected extraordinary events (like war or natural disasters) that prevent a party from fulfilling a contract.
Technical A contract clause that excuses non-performance when an unforeseeable, unavoidable event beyond the parties’ control occurs, subject to causation and mitigation duties.
Example The shipment was delayed due to a force majeure event—a typhoon that closed the port for two weeks.
In practice, the clause in a contract that lists specific events that let a party avoid liability for failing to perform.
Technical A contractual provision that allocates risk by suspending or terminating obligations upon occurrence of specified catastrophic events, often requiring notice.
Etymology #
From French force majeure, meaning 'superior force', borrowed into English legal usage in the 19th century.
Collocations #
- force majeure event 不可抗力事件
- invoke force majeure 援引不可抗力条款
- force majeure clause 不可抗力条款
Real Business Examples #
- The contractor invoked the force majeure clause when the earthquake halted construction work.
- Parties must give prompt written notice to rely on force majeure under the agreement.
Register & Variants #
- Register: formal
- BrE/AmE: 全球通用，英式常用，美式也接受，但有时用 'act of God' 替代
Synonyms & Antonyms #
- Synonyms: act of God, unavoidable event
- Antonyms: foreseeable event
Common Errors #
- 将 force majeure 解释为任何不可控事件 必须满足不可预见、不可避免、非当事人过错等严格条件才能援引。
- 混淆 force majeure 与 frustration of contract Force majeure 是合同约定，frustration 是普通法概念，适用范围不同。
Confusable Terms #
- Act of God vs Force Majeure
- Act of God 通常指自然事件，而 force majeure 涵盖更广泛，包括战争或罢工等人为事件。
Frequently Asked Questions
force majeure 可以免除付款义务吗？?
通常只能免除因事件无法履行的义务，付款义务往往不受影响，除非特别约定。
COVID-19 算 force majeure 吗？?
需视具体合同条款和实际情况，通常要求证明直接因果关系。
Published: 2026-09-24 Category: Contracts